Monday, April 6, 2015

Breaking Free of the Darkness





I have never been an addict. I have never been in a gang. My understanding, however, is that it is extremely hard to leave that life once you’ve been in it.

I’m finding that the same is true of getting out of debt. It’s true about getting free from any downtrodden state – whether that’s poverty, homelessness, depression, the sins that can so easily beset us, the ties that keep us in bondage…

It’s as though you have a 1000 lb. ball shackled around your ankles, trying to hold you in place. Or worse, but maybe more appropriately, that you have little demon imps clawing and clutching at your feet, ankles, calves, desperately trying to keep you in the destructive darkness. You have to fight harder to break free, to get out of that life than you would have if you just avoided it.

If it is within your power to do so, and it usually is, it is truly better to avoid it altogether than to struggle with breaking free of the darkness and returning to the light.

The good news is that it can be done. It takes fierce determination. It takes never losing sight of the goal. It takes never succumbing once again to the darkness.


The helping hands may be few and far between, but they are there. They don’t always come in tangible things, sometimes it’s just an encouraging word. Reach for those helping hands. Don’t let pride keep you from asking for help. 

Do the part you can do. Every. Single. Day. 

Soon, you’ll see more light than darkness. Focus always on the light, not the darkness. Talk about the light, think about the light, walk toward the light. Ultimately, you will be free of the last and final destructive bond of darkness.

Don’t ever give up hope. You can do it.

Constantly Thinking...and moving toward the light.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

If It Don't Fit, Don't Force It

Don't try to force friendships. True friendships are mutual and don't require it.

If you find yourself always taking the lead in your friendships or relationships (always making the first call, always sending the first text, always scheduling the dates), back off. When people value something, they let it be known.

The other thing to consider is that your role in those relationships may not be one of mutual friendship and value. You may be there to counsel the person, or be a lifeline - an encourager - to them when they need it. That's a great thing, as long as you recognize it. If you're expecting that behavior to be reciprocated and it isn't, you may get your feelings hurt.

If you're one of the people who tends to use people as counselors, but call them friends, you may need to re-evaluate, as well. Ask yourself if you'd still be "friends" with the person if they stopped being your sounding board for several months.

Most people have very few "mutually valued, mutually beneficial friendships" where they can both listen and share, lovingly counsel and receive loving counsel.

Almost all relationships have value. It's just important to realize what type of relationship you're in.

Constantly Thinking...